15 



As usual, very little plain sewing appeared among the arti- 

 cles, although we always try to speak encouragingly of this 

 kind of work. Wouldn't it be a good plan for each girl to 

 show her skill in work both useful and ornamental, by bringing 

 some article of plain sewing, — some garment for herself, nicely 

 made, as well as the motto, or the frames, or the tidy ? then we 

 should see how well she could do both kinds of work. 



One thing about the worsted work we usually have to speak 

 of, and it still needs to be repeated. Let each girl look care- 

 fully over the work that she carried to the last Fair, and see if 

 the stitches are all crossed the same way, or whether they are 

 crossed every possible way. That may be the reason why a 

 few more cents were awarded some articles than others of 

 about the same work, but more neatly done. 



Choice of colors is another thing which the children need to 

 be reminded of often. If pink, red, purple, blue and green are 

 all mixed together in a single tidy, motto or bookmark, it may 

 look gay and bright to the child, and the effect is certainly very 

 striking, even to the eye of taste — but not pleasing. If only 

 two colors that contrast or harmonize well, or various shades of 

 one color are used, the article, when finished, will be much 

 more beautiful. 



Another thing we usually speak of, is the drawing. As this 

 is being introduced into our schools, wouldn't it be well for a 

 few of the best designs and copies from each school to be 

 exhibited, and thus show that some improvement is being 

 made in this useful art? Boys and girls, don't allow " Bennie" 

 to be the only one who exhibits his drawing book from year 

 to year. 



A few nicely made brackets and card receivers show tliat two 

 or three boys know how to use the bracket saw to advantage. 



One thing more seems to need repeating in every report, — 



